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Ryan Lal

"People should understand that even $500 or $1,000 really helps with the day-to-day expenses…tuition, books, school parking…it all adds up. Awards encourage students to continue their studies—it’s money that takes stress off our shoulders."

Receiving two donor-funded awards meant that electrical trades student Ryan Lal could stay in school without having to take a part-time job. He could focus on his apprenticeship, and continue to work towards his dream of establishing his own business.

Before deciding on electrical apprenticeship, Ryan enrolled in BCIT’s Trades Discovery program, where students gain hands-on experience in 20 different trades. Upon completion, Ryan received the Concert Properties Graduating Grant, which was supplemented by an Entrance Grant when he chose to specialize in electrical trades.

Electrical trades really clicked for Ryan, offering him a variety of work, jobs after graduation, and a chance to specialize in many interesting areas.

"Electrical is not only handwork, it’s headwork—school isn’t easy. I definitely have to apply myself."

The electrician apprenticeship process requires time on the job and in the classroom. An electrician trainee must complete a four-year program, including 6,000 workplace hours and 1,200 in-school hours of training.

During his work placements, Ryan has already gained critical work experience, both in the new technology building under construction at Simon Fraser University, and on a project based at the Chilliwack RCMP.

"Electrical is one of those fields where you can get into so many other areas. After I get my ticket, I eventually want to build my own business."

Receiving a Concert Properties and Industry Partners Trades Discovery Grant helped Ryan ease the financial pressures he faced while balancing schoolwork and job placements, and enabled him to plan for additional electrical training. We wish him well in realizing his dream.